When you are living and working in Vietnam, renewing your temporary residence card is an important step to maintain your legal residency status. However, many foreigners are still unfamiliar with the procedures and necessary paperwork. In this article, let’s explore the detailed process of renewing your residence card, the required documents, processing time, and important notes to help you complete the procedure smoothly and quickly with FTA LAW.
1. Can a temporary residence card be renewed?
According to the provisions of Law No. 51/2019/QH14, foreigners cannot renew their temporary residence card once it has expired. This means that when your card is close to expiring, you will need to apply for a new card rather than renew the old one. This renewal process can take a certain amount of time and requires you to meet specific conditions.
Important requirements for applying for a new residence card include:
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Passport valid for at least 13 months: This is a prerequisite for applying for a new card. If your passport has at least 13 months of validity, the immigration authorities will issue a new card with a maximum duration of 12 months.
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Work permit valid for over 1 year (if your card is issued based on a work permit): Foreigners need to provide a valid work permit to prove that they are legally employed in Vietnam.
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Temporary residence registration at the local police: This is a mandatory step to ensure that foreigners comply with local residence regulations.
Image: Foreigners need to comply with certain requirements to renew their temporary residence card.
2. How long does it take to renew a temporary residence card?
Although a temporary residence card cannot be renewed for foreigners, you will need to apply for a new card within a reasonable time frame to avoid interruptions in your legal stay in Vietnam. Normally, the process of applying for a new card takes about 5 working days from the date you submit the complete application.
However, you need to be aware of the following:
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Application submission timing: You should not submit your application too early because immigration authorities may reject the application if submitted too early. It is best to submit your application about 5 days before your old card expires to ensure timely issuance of the new card.
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Avoid submitting too late: If you submit your application too late and very close to the expiration date, you may face difficulties completing the process and might have to temporarily leave Vietnam.
Image: The renewal process for a temporary residence card usually takes an average of 5 days.
3. Documents required to renew a temporary residence card
Below are the necessary documents you need to prepare to apply for a renewal for foreigners in Vietnam:
3.1. General documents
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Original passport, visa, or current temporary residence card: This is the document to prove your legal residency status.
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Two 2×3 cm photos: One photo should be attached to the NA6 or NA8 form (depending on the required form).
3.2. Documents for renewal under the investment category
For foreigners applying for renewal under the investment category, the required documents include:
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Temporary residence card application form (NA6).
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A copy of the business registration certificate/investment certificate.
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Documents proving the investment in a company in Vietnam (if applying for a temporary residence card under categories DT1, DT2, DT3).
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Certificate of full capital contribution as per the registration when establishing the company.
3.3. Documents for renewal under the family visit category
For those applying for renewal under the family visit category, the required documents include:
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Application for entry and exit and request for a temporary residence card.
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Temporary residence confirmation from the local police.
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Proof of family relationship (certified translation).
3.4. Documents for renewal under the labor category
For foreigners applying for renewal under the labor category, the required documents include:
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Application form (NA8).
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Work permit (or work permit exemption).
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Business registration certificate of the sponsoring company.
4. Frequently Asked Questions:
4.1. How long does the review process take for renewing a temporary residence card?
The review process typically takes about 5 working days, but if the application is incomplete or additional information is needed, the processing time may be extended. Therefore, you should prepare your application properly from the start to avoid delays.
4.2. What should foreigners do if they lose their temporary residence card?
If you lose your card, you need to immediately contact the local police to report the loss and apply for a replacement card. You will need to provide relevant information and complete the necessary paperwork so that immigration authorities can issue a new card.
5. Important notes for temporary residence card renewal
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Ensure complete documentation: Preparing your documents accurately and completely is essential for the smooth renewal process of your residence card. All documents must be in the correct format and comply with legal requirements.
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Submit your application on time: To avoid the old card expiring before the new one is issued, you need to submit your renewal application on time. Submitting your application too early or too late can cause difficulties in the processing.
Image: A few important notes when renewing a temporary residence card for foreigners.
6. Conclusion
Renewing a temporary residence card for foreigners in Vietnam is a process that needs to comply with legal requirements and proper document preparation. If you encounter any difficulties in preparing your documents or the renewal process, do not hesitate to contact FTA LAW for detailed consultation and assistance. We are committed to providing you with professional legal services and helping you complete the procedure quickly and effectively.
The content above is for reference purposes and not official advice from the team of lawyers at FTA LAW. If you have any questions or need advice for a specific case, please contact us at: support@ftalaw.vn – We are always ready to listen and assist you.